Watertown Commission on Disability

From Lisa Chiango (Lisa_Chiango@yahoo.com): 

Did you know that the third week of June is National Deaf Blind Awareness week?  

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to recognize and enhance the awareness of the Deafblind throughout the United States.  

Fast forward to 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed a proclamation recognizing Deaf Blind Awareness week from June 27 – July 3, 2010.

This means that Deaf Blind Awareness week will now be officially recognized every year in Massachusetts!
 
Enclosed is a copy of the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION:MASSACHUSETTS DEAF-BLIND AWARENESS WEEK
JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2010

 

 

 

WHEREAS…            Massachusetts is highly accomplished, respected, and well-known for its services to deaf-blind children, youth, and adults, and
 
WHEREAS…            It is highly appropriate and necessary to publicize to others the abilities and potential of fellow citizens who are deaf-blind, or severely visually and hearing impaired, and to recognize them as an example of courage, hope, determination and achievement, and
 
WHEREAS…            It is in the interest of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to encourage the full participation of all Massachusetts citizens in our economy by fostering and promoting education, employment, housing, and recreational options for people who are deaf-blind, thus maximizing their opportunities for a productive life in the community and lifestyle of their choice,Now, therefore, I, Deval Patrick,  governor of the state of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts IN RECOGNITION THEREFORE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM, JUNE 27 –  JULY 3, 2010 as “MASSACHUSETTS DEAF-BLIND AWARENESS WEEK.”
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the state of           to be affixed this           day of           _, 2010.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2modulechunk&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Disability+Services&L3=Services+by+Type+of+Disability&L4=Deaf%2c+Late-Deafened%2c+and+Hard+of+Hearing&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=mcdhh_c_sg_deaflinks&csid=Eeohhs2

Take some time this week to share the proclamation and spread awareness of Deafblindess, its culture and history!

Massachusetts Resources serving Deafblind:

As we celebrate Deaf Blind Awareness week, would like to express appreciation for the following programs which have worked with the Deafblind community.
Thank you so very much for your support!
 
Advocates Inc

American Association of the Deaf Blind

Bristol Community College ASL and Deaf Studies

Cape Organization  Rights for the Disabled (CORD)

Center for Living and Working (All locations)

Clarke School for the Deaf         

Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

Children’s Hospital Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

The Children’s Center for Communication, Beverly School for the Deaf

The College of the Holy Cross Deaf Studies Program

Deaf Blind Contact Center

Deaf Blind Community Access Network

Deaf Inc (All locations)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mainstreamed Programs K-12 (statewide)

Foundation Fighting Blindness

Easter Seals of Massachusetts

Helen Keller National Center  

Horace Mann School for the Deaf

Holyoke Community College – Deaf Studies

The Learning Center for Deaf Children (All Campuses)

Masschusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Massachusetts State House ADA Acesss Office

Mass Equipment Distribution Program (Mass EDP)

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston

New England Center for Deafblind Project

New England Homes for the Deaf and Thompson House

North Suffolk Mental Health

Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP)

Northeastern University ASL/Interpreting Program

Northern Essex Community College Interpreting Program

Perkins School for the Blind

Stavros

Universal Access Program

Waltham Committee, Inc

Wheelock Family Theatre

Willie Ross School for the Deaf

Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities

Very Special Arts of Massachusetts

Be sure to thank your Senators and Representatives for supporting the proclamation!

Want to know more about Deafblindess?

AADB American Association for the Deaf Blind http://www.aadb.org/FAQ/faq_DeafBlindness.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

http://www.deafblindinfo.org/start/faq

New England Center for Deafblind Project

www.necdbp.org

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind – Deafblind Unit

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Disability+Services&L3=Services+by+Type+of+Disability&L4=Blind+Services&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=mcb_c_deaf_blind&csid=Eeohhs2

 

Resource List from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing